Small Towns and Battling Burlesque Promoters
I see so often people unwilling to go to existing successful burlesque nights in small towns, instead feeling they have to start their own and "declare war" on existing promoters.
Why do they do it? Jealousy? Do they think they can put on a better show (say for example than Bath's existing regular burlesque nights, Coco Boudoir or the Ministry of Burlesque). Keep in mind we bring some of the biggest names in burlesque to Bath, which is no inexpensive feat.
How about money as a motivation? Frankly, if you're in it for a quick buck, you're targeting the wrong industry.
I've seen this happen over and over again in Bath; new promoters either book a troupe of well-known performers, in total worth the equivalent of a down payment on a house, failing financially in the process, or book 15 free newcomers and charge £10 on the door, inevitably disappointing their clients in the process, who unwittingly expected a professional show for a tenner.
In both cases i have watched these projects fade into oblivion after one or two shows, ending up with a bad reputation and, invariably, unpaid debts. (I had one performer inform me that the lack of stage hand at one of these shows resulted in their costumes being stolen from the stage... or rather the middle of the dance floor).
So what was my original motivation? Ultimately, boredom and a music industry management degree that had laid dormant for several years. I started my nights in early 2009 solely because there were no burlesque events in Bath at all and hadn't been for 18 months, since the fabulous Club Cadaver faded into obscurity. It started as a pub show, then grew into the sell-out Coco Boudoir we have today in 2011, which i run with Fifi Fatale.
If you love burlesque, then get involved! You don't have to ostracize yourself. It's a small (and believe it or not) friendly industry in Bath. Everyone has something to offer and opportunities to answer to.
Why do they do it? Jealousy? Do they think they can put on a better show (say for example than Bath's existing regular burlesque nights, Coco Boudoir or the Ministry of Burlesque). Keep in mind we bring some of the biggest names in burlesque to Bath, which is no inexpensive feat.
How about money as a motivation? Frankly, if you're in it for a quick buck, you're targeting the wrong industry.
I've seen this happen over and over again in Bath; new promoters either book a troupe of well-known performers, in total worth the equivalent of a down payment on a house, failing financially in the process, or book 15 free newcomers and charge £10 on the door, inevitably disappointing their clients in the process, who unwittingly expected a professional show for a tenner.
In both cases i have watched these projects fade into oblivion after one or two shows, ending up with a bad reputation and, invariably, unpaid debts. (I had one performer inform me that the lack of stage hand at one of these shows resulted in their costumes being stolen from the stage... or rather the middle of the dance floor).
So what was my original motivation? Ultimately, boredom and a music industry management degree that had laid dormant for several years. I started my nights in early 2009 solely because there were no burlesque events in Bath at all and hadn't been for 18 months, since the fabulous Club Cadaver faded into obscurity. It started as a pub show, then grew into the sell-out Coco Boudoir we have today in 2011, which i run with Fifi Fatale.
If you love burlesque, then get involved! You don't have to ostracize yourself. It's a small (and believe it or not) friendly industry in Bath. Everyone has something to offer and opportunities to answer to.